SENATOR SALAND AND ASSEMBLYMAN SKARTADOS ANNOUNCE CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT

Senator Steve Saland and Assemblyman Frank Skartados announce today the passage of legislation which will authorize the City of Poughkeepsie to sell a parcel of land to the Dyson Foundation for the purpose of providing a public park along the waterfront.

“Through the continuing generosity of the Dyson Foundation, the City of Poughkeepsie and area residents will benefit from the sale of this land,” said Senator Steve Saland. “On behalf of those that I represent, I thank the Dyson Foundation for once again providing funding and assistance to improve the quality of life for city and county residents.”

“It was my pleasure to assist the Dyson Foundation and the City of Poughkeepsie in this valuable addition to the waterfront,” said Assemblyman Frank Skartados. “ The residents of the city and the region will be able to further enjoy the Hudson River in a new park, and benefit by the restoration of two historic buildings. This has all been made possible because of the generosity and vision of the Dyson Foundation and the City of Poughkeepsie.”

The acquired land will coincide with the opening of a pedestrian elevator to the Walkway over the Hudson State Park. The sale ensures that the property will be used for public benefit at no cost to the taxpayers.

“The Dyson Foundation is very grateful that the New York State Senate and Assembly have supported our plan to create a public waterfront park in the City of Poughkeepsie,” said Chris Dyson, Dyson Foundaton Director and Treasurer. “We deeply appreciate the leadership of Senator Saland and Assemblyman Skartados in sponsoring the legislation to support this bill."

In 2006, the City of Poughkeepsie acquired the parcel which included waterfront and two historic structures. Since that time, the city has determined that the costs associated with the upkeep of the deteriorating historic buildings and the lack of funding for a public initiative, they would not pursue a municipal use for the land. To their immense benefit, however, the Dyson Foundation generously offered to purchase the land for public use.

Mayor John C. Tkazyik said, “The Dyson Foundation’s project on the revitalization of Upper Landing is a true gift to the City of Poughkeepsie by creating a historic waterfront park and continues to build upon the foundation set by Walkway Over the Hudson. I would like to thank Senator Saland and Assemblyman Skartados for their support in adopting the municipal home rule allowing the sale of 83 North Water St. to go forward.”